The historic city of Venice could soon become the next Atlantis because of climate change. Venice endures several floods throughout the year due to high tides and storm surges but, as a result of rising sea levels it has been experiencing more flooding than usual. Historian Monica Chojnacka, a Venice native, states, “Now it’s always under water even in this relatively low tide”. According to city officials, the sea level has risen 5.5 inches since 1900 and continues to do so every year. Rising sea levels, however, are not the only factor contributing to the city’s sinking. An increase in tourism over the years, and other human activities like ground water extraction, contribute to about 2-10 mm of sinking per year. In addition, the natural erosion of the cities foundation accounts for 0.8-1 millimeter per year. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀
If the current rate continues, researchers predict that the city and surrounding land could sink about 3.2 inches in the next 20 years. In order to combat the rising sea levels on the city of Venice, the Italian government has funded the MOSE Project. It’s a series of 78 underwater gates attached to the Venice lagoon that, during times of extreme high tide, will be pumped with air and rise to the surface in order to prevent excess water from entering the city. The MOSE system is designed to protect Venice from 3.5 feet of water above sea level, and is scheduled to be fully operational by 2019 😅